I would like to start recycling more. In our previous home we were not able to get a recycling bin and so we got out of the habit of recycling. With that said, I am still pretty clueless when it comes to recycling.
I have questions like:
What can I actually recycle? Can I recycle dirty paper plates, paper bowls and plastic silverware?
Do I have to rinse out containers before putting it in the bin?
Can I put shredded paper in the bin?
I know these seem like basic questions, but normally I just throw cardboard boxes in the bin and the rest goes in the regular trash can, so I was hoping that someone can help me out and not judge me for not knowing this information;}
GOOD FOR YOU for taking the time to get some information!
I found a great link that will help you learn about recylcling and what you can/cannot recycle:
http://www.azrecycles.gov/
Thank you for helping the environment ;)
Here's a few helpful links on recycling & more:
freecycle.com - you can post items you no longer need, but someone else could use.
thedailygreen.com - green living tips
newdream.org - all kinds of ways to live green
southcentral.greenhomeguide.com - ideas, tips, etc
Congratulations! You are one step closer to making earth greener for your kids' future.
J. L.
There are alot of things you can recycle unfortunely depebding on the city you live in, they only take the basics. I would start by checking your cities website. Look for services, it would be with waste/garbage. You cannot recycle paper plates, plastic silverware,plastic bags, plastic wrap. You can recycle plastic that has a 1 or 2 inside the recycling triangle. You can recycle chip baord(cereal boxes, cracker boxes etc). Office paper, Junk mail, Newspaper, telephone books, brown paper bags, cans aluminum & steel. These you want rinse lighly. Glass also rinse lightly. Hope this is a start. I'm glad you asked! Once you get used to what your city recycles it will be super easy. You won't even think about it.
Hello!
Thank you for doing this! It is really easy once you are in the habit and it is something the kids can help with!
Here is the City of Mesa's site to recycling: http://cityofmesa.org/waste/Mesa_Recycles.aspx
Under the "Blue Barrel Recycling" link you will see a list of what materials they take and examples of what they are looking for. I am envious that they take glass, Glendale does not.
Hope this helps!
D.
GO GREEN!! :)
Here's the link from the City of Tucson's page in case your in our area.
do you live in ABQ? If so, they don't have any bins. Just put things in bags by the road on your trash day. Glass has to be recycled at the centers, located around town (I drop mine off at Smith's). I do plastic bottles (which do need to be rinsed) w/out the caps. Put out newspaper and cans too. They do not take chip board, which are those thin cardboard boxes for cereal and the like. You can also do cardboard boxes, but break them down. I'm not sure about grocery bags, I've started leaving those in the bin at the Smith's door. There is a website through the city with all the guidelines.
Your best bet is to contact your refuse pick up company and ask them your questions. Plastics 1 and 2 are ok, glass, tin, aluminium and newspapers corigated cardboard for our area. BUT some areas you have to seperate the items. So just check with your pick up people and they usually can send you a list! Happy recycling!
i recycle shredded paper but if you are putting all your recycling in one container you may want to bag it. like many others have suggested your city's solid waste management dept will give you the most information.
I've learned that every area accepts different things. In scottsdale we could recycle almost everything - glass, plastic, paper, cardobard, cans, etc. In Maricopa we can't recycle glass . . . Call your recycle company and get a pamphlet - that way you always have it if you have questions.
And they usually do like for you to rinse things out. . .
Contact you local waste management company, they can provide you with a list of what is allowed in recycling - if it's not on the list don't put it in recycling. We generally send empty boxes (can include milk cartons), old papers/junk mail, paper bags, empty tin or aluminum cans - rinsed a bit first, glass jars - also rinsed a bit, #1 and #2 plastic bottles (the number is usually on the bottom in a small triangle - other numbers not allowed here). Try not to put in old pizza boxes if there's still pizza or cheese stuck on it because they'll just end up throwing it away anyways. Plastic grocery bags and styrofoam are not allowed either.
Every community has different recycling programs. I hope there is a number on your trash can to call and ask. I have done it before. I felt kind of silly, but it really helped to know what to do with the recycling.
Contact your City Hall for a list of recycleables in your area. Some cities don't have the capacity to recycle all materials so they'll only accept certain items. I don't rinse out my plastic or glass containers and they always get taken but I'm not sure if that's good or not. I do put any paper products in accept for really dirty paper plates. Plastic forks, etc should be ok. Also I recycle all my junk mail and mags. Hope this helps.
Hi JC,
No judgment, no shame:) When I first moved here, I had many of the same questions. I called the Waste Management Department and talked with them directly. They were very helpful, and sent me printed information as well. I don't know the number off-hand. I am in Albuquerque, and they have a 311 system. Dial 311, and you get the city information service. Tell them you have questions about recycling, and ask who you need to talk with. They will give you the phone number for the correct department. No charge for this service, either. Happy recycling!
